rigid with ritual

rigid with ritual

we wait for the midnight hour

minutes fold and unfold

months of memories

are finally ready to be pushed

into the archives of our souls

 

as if peering through a lacy veil

i remember jewels of other new year’s eves

semi-sort-of accomplishments

i now wear as amulets

like talismans they protect me

 

a clean slate is presented

there are no corners where evil can hide

father time opens his arms to embrace me

so i lay these words gently down

on the naked page

and smile

 

Author's Note

Tonight as you toast the beginning of 2018 remember this....you can not go forward smiling till you look back and make peace with what was. We are a conglomeration of what we have experienced in the past and what we are about to experience. We are what is left of those we lost. May 2018 be the year "it" happens....whatever you want "it" to be. Make the most of this new year you have been given. Happy Healthy New Year to all of you on WC! © 2017

Reviews

[Thepensiveplayer]

Each year is truly a time to self-reflect and plan for good things to come next. Sometimes we can overthink the celebration of New Year because we put a mandatory agenda on ourselves. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but I think we should go with the flow in life and master what we can control. Excellent work! Take care and keep writing. :)

[Lydia Shutter]

You are so right. Again, thank you for the review. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

Hmmm. Looking back to 2017 it seemed we all wanted it done. Half way through this year, I'm wondering why it's so important that we turn the page when every news cycle is more of the same. Rigid ritual indeed

[Lydia Shutter]

I wrote this on New Year's Eve....but it is true, things really did not change that much since then. Thank you for finding this one, Lyn. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, I picked it up in the feed. I have a lot of catching up to do ...:)

[Neville]

wow.. priceless & timeless.. these words would be and are most special words indeed and at any time of the year................... Neville

[Lydia Shutter]

I wrote this on New Year's Eve, but thank you for finding it now! I always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**

[Neville]

Tis always a pleasure, I assure you Lydi**...... N

[NEHA]

zipped i am...
just claps*!
your poetries are meant to be nailed!!!!!!
(echo from the bottom of my heart)-!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Neha. Lydi**

[Mary]

"months of memories
are finally ready to be pushed
into the archives of our souls"
An amazing way to describie our annual ritual of wiping the slate clean to begin anew! Saved to my favorites!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Mary. Lydi**

[Alfred Kukitz]

it’s vintage lydia voicing her talented feminine soul on life’s new year.

bravo beautiful!

regards,
al

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Al. Nice to see you on my page. Lydi**

[barleygirl]

The phrase "rigid with ritual" really speaks to me . . . I'm NOT into familiar rituals at all, but my family has been thru the years -- I'm an affront to their sensibilities becuz I don't want to do special occasions the same way or with the same people year after year. Reading this helps me see things from their point of view. I love what you've written in your author's notes, too! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Margie! Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared. I worked New Year eve and day. Life rarely changes for me. It is 2018. I will be sixty years old this year. Have a fun and successful 2018 dear friend.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

And I will be 65, my friend. We are getting on in years. Sorry you had to work on the holiday. Not sure what you do for a living, but so many are in professions that never stop 24/7. Thank you for the review. Happy New Year. LydI**

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Lydia. I'm working. Can't complain too much.

[redzone]

well my "it" is to be thrilled and enticed by your poetry Lydi and it will "happen" every time you post one of your creations.... you mention what we experience both past and future and I think one of this "experiences" is FRIENDSHIP and you Lydi have been a great "experience of friendship", beyond even the poetry and so 2018 is already filled with potential... HAPPY NEW YEAR LYDI!!!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Happy New Year to you, Curt....I am glad we are friends! Thanks for sticking with me. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your poetry has always had the capacity of holding me in the palm of its hand. Is there such a thing, to be so captivated, and so moved by something that nothing else is within proximity?

Wishing you a most joyous and prosperous new year, my good friend!

...and thanks for sticking with me ALL these years!

[Lydia Shutter]

Back at ya, Kelly...we belong to a mutual admiration society! :) I so appreciate your review....you make me feel like a REAL poet! Be well and happy in this new year, my friend! Lydi**